| Panic is a
disorder of perception, in which there is an overwhelming
irrational fear that one is in extreme danger when no real
danger exists. This sense that one’s survival is threatened
triggers a high adrenaline state which creates all the terrifying
symptoms of a typical panic attack, the difficulty breathing,
pounding heartbeat, tense muscles, hot and cold chills, dizziness,
wobbly knees, trembling and shaking. These symptoms convince
sufferers that something dangerous is about to happen, that
they will have a heart attack, brain tumour or stroke, will
go mad or lose control and do bizaare things, or be socially
humiliated by vomiting in public, blushing, stammering, fainting
or generally looking foolish or stupid.
Consumed by the constant perception of immanent
danger even in supposedly safe neutral settings, their level
of vigilance is always high, and escape to safety a constant
preoccupation. This process dominates their thoughts, saps
motivation, sidelines life purpose, and derails their social
and work life. It condemns them to a choice-less half-life,
one of compromise, excuses, secrecy, and avoidance, and leaves
them feeling sapped of energy, depressed, beaten down and
demoralised. Relationships, work, and leisure suffer, and
dependency on substances such as alcohol and medication can
develop.
This course introduces the learner to the
physiology of the high adrenaline state which underlies panic,
and the survival threats which can trigger it. Bereavements,
assaults, crashes, operations, life-threatening illness, and
any experiences which leave the death imprint can stimulate
it, as well as the major identity changes which follow separation,
redundancy, betrayal, financial decline and disability. Our
fear-driven society, which thrives on deadlines, competition
and perfection, and which assigns a sense of stigma to those
who admit to being unable to cope, is one of the commonest
triggers.
The learner will be introduced to interventions
geared to calming the adrenaline response such as specific
breathing techniques, muscle relaxation, thought management,
and stabilising energy exercises targeting the chakra system.
A change in behaviour from one of avoidance to one of approach
is encouraged as confidence in control skills is gained, and
the anticipation of danger is replaced by the ability to endure
the symptoms in safety and control their intensity, ultimately
eliminating them.
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